As I reflect on my time as Executive Director of Stonewall Columbus, I am reminded of the significance of Black leadership in the LGBTQ+ rights movement and within this organization. I began my tenure as Interim Executive Director in the summer of 2020—a moment in history defined by a global reckoning on racial justice and a pandemic that disproportionately impacted marginalized communities. In January 2021, I transitioned into the role full-time, carrying with me an immeasurable sense of responsibility, and accountability, to advance Stonewall Columbus’ mission while ensuring that all members of our community—particularly those at the intersections of multiple marginalized identities—are seen, heard, and empowered.
Being the first male-presenting Black person, and new-American, to lead Stonewall Columbus, I recognize the weight of representation. I followed in the footsteps of AJ Casey, the first person of color to serve as an Executive Director of this organization. It is my belief that as a leader of Stonewall Columbus our responsibility is not singularly about guiding an organization—it’s about amplifying the voices of our community who have been historically silenced and ensuring that our collective progress is rooted in inclusivity and equity.
A Legacy of Black Leadership in LGBTQ+ Advocacy
The LGBTQ+ rights movement would not be where it is today without the tireless activism of Black individuals who fought—often at great personal cost—for a more just world. Marsha P. Johnson, a Black trans woman, was at the forefront of the 1969 Stonewall uprising, sparking a movement that demanded the right to live openly and authentically. Bayard Rustin, an openly gay Black man and a close advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, proving that the fight for racial justice and LGBTQ+ liberation are inextricably linked.
These trailblazers remind us that Black leadership has always been integral to progress, despite the erasure of our contributions in mainstream narratives. Their legacies fuel the work we do today at Stonewall Columbus, ensuring that advocacy is intersectional, that we acknowledge the historical barriers faced by Black LGBTQ+ individuals, and that we build a future where no one is left behind.
Stonewall Columbus: Representation and Progress
Stonewall Columbus has evolved significantly since its founding in 1981. What began as a grassroots response to political and social hostility toward “Gay” individuals has grown into a community-centered organization dedicated to advocacy, education, and creating affirming spaces so the LGBTQ+ community can be seen and is thriving. Over the years, the organization has been shaped by leaders, some of whom, understood the urgency of our mission, from those who fought for legal protections to those who worked to create a center, a resource hub for the community.
My tenure began during a time of crisis, when community connection and institutional resilience were more critical than ever. Over the past four years, we have worked to expand our reach, deepen our impact, and ensure that Stonewall Columbus remains an organization where all LGBTQ+ individuals—especially those from historically marginalized communities—see themselves reflected in our leadership, programming, and advocacy.
The Work Ahead: Centering People, Policy, and Pride
While we celebrate the progress we have made, our work is far from over. At Stonewall Columbus, we remain committed to:
- Amplifying Marginalized Voices: Uplifting the experiences of Black, Brown, and other intersectionally marginalized LGBTQ+ individuals in everything we do.
- Advocating for Equitable Policies: Sharing the work of organizations fighting for legislative protections that safeguard the rights and dignity of our community, particularly in the face of increasing political challenges.
- Building and Sustaining Inclusive Spaces: Creating environments where every person feels valued, seen, and supported—not just during Pride month, but every single day of the year.
The theme for our 2025 Pride celebration—United in Power—is a reminder that our strength comes from standing together. As we move forward, I am committed to guiding Stonewall Columbus in a way that honors the history of Black LGBTQ+ activism while forging a future where inclusivity and representation is not an exception, but the standard.
To everyone who has walked this journey with us, supported our work, and believed in the power of community—I thank you.
In Solidarity,
Densil Porteous
Executive Director
Stonewall Columbus
